Arts Council England announces funding for Essex arts groups

ARTS organisations across Essex are set to receive almost £9million funding over the next three years.

The funding announced by Arts Council England will see seven National portfolio organisations in Essex receive £8,709,622 ensuring their work can continue.

The grants £1.693m for arts group Metal which puts on the annual Village Green event in Chalkwell Park and include £550,000 for the Focal Point Gallery in Southend.

Joe Hill, who was recently appointed as the gallery’s new Director, said: “This funding comes at a crucial time for Southend’s cultural landscape and is recognition of all that has been achieved by the team at the gallery. With the opening of our new space last September, the number of high-profile artists with international reputations coming to work in the town is growing.

“Visitor numbers to our exhibitions have more than doubled and we’re developing closer relationships with other cultural organisations in the region. This funding ensures we can sustain and develop a crucial space for contemporary art in south Essex.”

Other beneficiaries include Kinetika Art Links International and the National Skills Academy, both in Thurrock.

Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said: "The new National portfolio for East of England contains a rich mix of diverse organisations, museums and artforms that will continue to support artistic excellence and talent development across the area.

“ It consolidates existing strengths while expanding the reach and engagement across the region, particularly in rural areas and places of low engagement, helping us to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience and participate in great art and culture.

“Embedded within the National portfolio across the East of England is a particular commitment to expand opportunities for children and young people, building on one of the region’s key existing strengths.”

Comments

jayman
2:52pm Tue 1 Jul 14

£1.693m to metal...

yeah sure they put organise the village green event. It costs over £10 entry per person. metal make tons of money out of Chalkwell park house. Metal are a profit making private concern, not a charity..

£1.693m to metal...
yeah sure they put organise the village green event. It costs over £10 entry per person. metal make tons of money out of Chalkwell park house. Metal are a profit making private concern, not a charity..jayman

£1.693m to metal...

yeah sure they put organise the village green event. It costs over £10 entry per person. metal make tons of money out of Chalkwell park house. Metal are a profit making private concern, not a charity..

Score: 1

jayman
2:58pm Tue 1 Jul 14

why do politicians love art? because as Bertolt Brecht said

“Art is not a mirror held up to reality
but a hammer with which to shape it.”

i say

art is not in residence anywhere. If normal people of ordinary concern create art, then Art as a institution will cease to exist. Much to the betterment of normal people of ordinary concern.

why do politicians love art? because as Bertolt Brecht said
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality
but a hammer with which to shape it.”
i say
art is not in residence anywhere. If normal people of ordinary concern create art, then Art as a institution will cease to exist. Much to the betterment of normal people of ordinary concern.jayman

why do politicians love art? because as Bertolt Brecht said

“Art is not a mirror held up to reality
but a hammer with which to shape it.”

i say

art is not in residence anywhere. If normal people of ordinary concern create art, then Art as a institution will cease to exist. Much to the betterment of normal people of ordinary concern.

Score: -1

Joe Clark
7:27pm Tue 1 Jul 14

Good news to see the arts and culture movement being supported in Southend.

Southend rightly enjoys cultural inclusiveness right across the entire population there is something for everyone and everyone has something.

It's time to take pride in Southend's booming arts and culture scene, respect what we have and bring completely new public arts of work to town.

Perhaps those that are blind to our arts and culture richness will finally open their eyes and see just how amazing it is in Southend, yet I fear that there are those who's minds are far too closed who's views are far too insular too to enjoy such an amazing element of Southend life.

Good news to see the arts and culture movement being supported in Southend.
Southend rightly enjoys cultural inclusiveness right across the entire population there is something for everyone and everyone has something.
It's time to take pride in Southend's booming arts and culture scene, respect what we have and bring completely new public arts of work to town.
Perhaps those that are blind to our arts and culture richness will finally open their eyes and see just how amazing it is in Southend, yet I fear that there are those who's minds are far too closed who's views are far too insular too to enjoy such an amazing element of Southend life.Joe Clark

Good news to see the arts and culture movement being supported in Southend.

Southend rightly enjoys cultural inclusiveness right across the entire population there is something for everyone and everyone has something.

It's time to take pride in Southend's booming arts and culture scene, respect what we have and bring completely new public arts of work to town.

Perhaps those that are blind to our arts and culture richness will finally open their eyes and see just how amazing it is in Southend, yet I fear that there are those who's minds are far too closed who's views are far too insular too to enjoy such an amazing element of Southend life.

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